Ontario Animal Health Network (OAHN)
Poultry Expert Network
Quarterly Veterinarian Report

Chicken Anemia Virus (CAV) in Ontario: Understanding breeder vaccination and broiler flock management

Emily Martin, Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph

In the past several months, Ontario poultry veterinarians are receiving questions regarding Chicken Anemia Virus (CAV) PCR positivity. Subsequently, questions surfaced regarding the efficacy of the breeder vaccination program. The OAHN poultry team, along with laboratory veterinarians and vaccine specialists, gathered at the last quarterly meeting to discuss the issue and address concerns.

Virus characteristics: CAV is a non-enveloped DNA virus that is ubiquitous (everywhere) in the environment. The lack of an envelope results in the virus being difficult to destroy with disinfectants or heat. Once a barn is infected the virus will stay in the barn until important cleaning, disinfecting and downtime measures are applied. While there are many different genotypes reported, they all belong to one serotype resulting in the vaccine being broadly effective (i.e., no need to match vaccine to regional variants).

Pathogenesis: The virus can be transmitted vertically and horizontally. Without vaccination, if a broiler breeder flock becomes infected with CAV there is a short window (i.e. 8 to 14 days post infection) that the virus can be transmitted through the egg to the progeny. The chicks are viremic at hatch allowing the virus to spread horizontally to hatch mates. In addition, if chicks without maternal antibodies (Mab) are infected horizontally in the first two weeks post hatch, severe disease can develop resulting in severe anemia, immunosuppression, and secondary infection or a combination of the above. As birds age, chickens develop an age-associated resistance to disease.

In Ontario, broiler breeder flocks are vaccinated for CAV and their titres may need to be monitored multiple times throughout production. Breeder vaccination provides MAb to the offspring that provide protection against clinical disease (i.e. development of anemia) for approximately 3 weeks. Chicks 14 days of age or younger can have MAb titres similar to the breeder birds. However, this MAb protection can be affected by other immunosuppressive factors (e.g. viruses, environmental factors).

Viral infections can influence the development of immunosuppression that can potentially impact the ability to manage poultry health issues. Immunosuppressive viruses include Marek’s Disease Virus (MDV), Chicken Anemia Virus (CAV), Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV), Avian Reovirus (ARV) and Fowl Adenovirus (FAdV). Viruses such as CAV and IBDV produce significant lesions in the primary lymphoid tissues (thymus, spleen, bursa). Despite intensive vaccination programs in both breeder and broiler flocks, IBDV infection continues to evade control attempts in some cases. In previous Ontario studies, 77% of 231 broiler flocks had been exposed to CAV before processing by 2014 (3) and 29% of 48 bursa of Fabricius samples were positive for CAV as well as IBDV in 2022 (4).

Diagnosis: Should be made by a veterinarian using clinical signs with thymus atrophy and anemia with hematocrit, histology with thymus lesions, PCR and serology. PCR positivity and serologic positivity are not sufficient by themselves to establish a diagnosis. PCR results positive before 14 days should be considered highly suspicious for the disease. PCR results positive after 21 days should only be investigated if other clinical signs are present such as anemia, pale bone marrow or thymus atrophy. Antibody titers negative according to the ELISA tests manufacturer before 7 days should be considered as highly suspicious. Antibody titers positive according to the ELISA manufacturer after 21 days should only be investigated if other clinical signs are present (5).

Prevention:  As previously mentioned, all breeder flocks that supply hatching eggs for broilers in Ontario are vaccinated with live CAV vaccine to provide maternal immunity and to prevent vertical transmission of CAV and expression of anemia in the progeny. Currently, it is not recommended to vaccinate broilers once the maternal antibodies have been depleted since the breeder vaccine successfully prevents development of the most severe clinical disease associated with CAV. Vaccination is also labor-intensive because the administration route is via the wing web or injection. Overall, Ontario broiler breeders vaccinated against CAV are well protected and provide Mab to their offspring to prevent development of severe clinical anemia and mortality occurring before 2 weeks of age.

Practices improving bird’s comfort and minimizing microbial and environmental stresses contribute to keep broilers healthy and immunocompetent such as cleaning and disinfecting between grow-outs, sufficient down time, access to balanced feed, water and a comfortable environment. Adequate broiler vaccination against Marek’s disease and Infectious Bursal Disease can also contribute to mitigate the impact of CAV exposure.

References:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9781119371199.ch8

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poultry/chicken-anemia-virus-infection/chicken-anemia-virus-infection

Eregae, M. E., Dewey, C. E., McEwen, S. A., Ouckama, R., Ojkić, D., & Guerin, M. T. (2014). Flock Prevalence of Exposure to Avian Adeno-Associated Virus, Chicken Anemia Virus, Fowl Adenovirus, and Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Among Ontario Broiler Chicken Flocks. Avian Diseases, 58(1), 71–77. http://www.jstor.org/stable/24595900

https://www.uoguelph.ca/ahl/infectious-bursal-disease-virus-and-chicken-anemia-virus-testing-update

Manuel de pathologie aviaire – Association française pour l’avancement des sciences (AFAS)

We thank you drs. Daniel Venne from CEVA, Denis Carrier from Merck, Emily Martin from AHL, Fernando Salgado-Bierman from Maple Lodge Farms and Luci Rosca from OMAFRA for their contributions to put together this information.

Poultry Veterinarian Survey Highlights – Q1 2023

Broilers

Early systemic bacterial infection (<14 d old)

AHL: The number of cases were increased from last quarter. All cases had at least E. coli isolated either in pure culture or in combination with primarily 1 other bacteria (S. aureus, E. cecorum, C. perfringens, and P. aeruginosa). In 1 case E. coli was isolated with 3 other bacteria (E. cecorum, Clostridium novyi, and C. perfringens).

Practitioners:  A similar number of practitioners indicated stable or increased cases this quarter. Escherichia coli, Enterococcus cecorum, Staphylococcus, and Pseudomonas were identified by practitioners.

Other causes of early mortality (>14 d old)

AHL: No other causes of early mortality were diagnosed this quarter.

Practitioners: Generally stable cases this quarter with one veterinarian reporting an increase in cases.

Late systemic bacterial infection (>14 d old) – LSBI

AHL: The number of cases were increased from previous quarters. E. coli and E. cecorum were each isolated either in pure culture or in combination. In 1 case these 2 bacteria were also isolated with 2 species of Bacteroides (B. fragilis and B. ovatus).

Practitioners: Practitioners reported increased numbers of infections comparable with last quarter with E. coli listed as the main bacteria identified. Also, E. cecorum was identified as a bacterial agent responsible for LSBI. Practitioners reported that 2-33% of E. coli isolates have been resistant to Trimethoprim sulfa (TMS).

Lameness – viral

AHL: The confirmed reovirus pathology cases were slightly decreased but the viral isolations were stable compared to the previous quarter. There were an increased variety of reovirus strains identified this quarter: PA 6-03200-2012, ON_classic_10-076656, ON_variant_F_12-087411, ON_variant_H_18-008168, PA genotype 6-03200-2012, and SK_R38-AHL 13-030320. Reovirus suspicious cases (identified on histopathology) are increased compared to previous quarters.

Practitioners: Cases were reported as stable with Reovirus variant H the common serotype identified.

Lameness – bacterial

AHL: Cases were increased compared to last quarter. These cases were primarily diagnosed on histology. However, there was 1 case of E. coli and 2 cases of E. coli plus E. cecorum tenosynovitis identified.

Practitioners: Reported as stable to slightly increased for this quarter with cases attributed to E. coli, E. cecorum and S. aureus.

Infectious bursal disease

AHL: The number of pathology cases as well as virus isolations were increased compared to previous quarters. On sequencing there were predominantly field strains identified with the most common being USA PA105-2014 field strain. Other strains identified included USA Del-E field strain, Ont 05-SA08-03-25355 field strain, and USA GA-1 field strain. One case of BC 15-062782 field strain was identified.

Practitioners: Reported as stable to increased cases this quarter.

Infectious bronchitis (IBV)

AHL: The number of pathology cases as well as virus isolations were increased compared to previous quarters. Vaccine strains were primarily identified on sequencing as well as 2 DMV strains (IBV_DMV_ON_21-017385 and IBV_DMV_ON_15-077145).

Practitioners: Increase in IBV detection was reported by the majority of the responders for this quarter.  Equal number of responders reported stable to increased cases.

Lameness – developmental

AHL: Cases of tibial dyschondroplasia were slightly increased from the previous quarter. Practitioners: Stable cases this quarter with cases identified as tibial dyschondroplasia.

Lameness – nutritional

AHL: After the spike in cases of Riboflavin deficiency last quarter, the number of nutritional causes if lameness returned to levels like those prior to last quarter.

Practitioners: Most responders reported stable condition with one veterinarian that noticed decreased incidences of nutritional lameness. Rickets was the most common cause of this condition.

Ascites

AHL: No cases of ascites were diagnosed this quarter.

Practitioners: Reported as stable to increased condition

Coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis

AHL: Cases of coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis were stable compared to last quarter. The majority of coccidiosis cases were identified in the small intestine. Three cases had C. perfringens confirmed on bacterial culture.

Practitioners: Cases of coccidiosis were reported as stable to slightly increased this quarter, whereas necrotic enteritis was mainly stable with equal number of responders reporting decreased and increased cases.

Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH)

AHL: Histologic cases have been stable for the last 3 quarters, but viral isolations were variable. On Fowl Adenovirus PCR, the most common species was FAdVE but in some cases all 3 species were identified as positive (FAdVE, FAdVD, FAdVAC). As in previous quarters, on sequencing the primary strain identified was FAdV08b (i.e., FAdV08b_AHL_16-049095_ON and FAdV08b_AHL_18-057921_ON). Viral isolation also identified FAdV11_USA_1047.

Practitioners: Equal number of practitioners reported stable and increased cases this quarter.

Infectious bursal disease

AHL: The number of pathology cases as well as virus isolations were increased compared to previous quarters. On sequencing there were predominantly field strains identified with the most common being USA PA105-2014 field strain. Other strains identified included USA Del-E field strain, Ont 05-SA08-03-25355 field strain, and USA GA-1 field strain. One case of BC 15-062782 field strain was identified.

Practitioners: Reported as stable to increased cases this quarter.

Infectious bronchitis (IBV)

AHL: The number of pathology cases as well as virus isolations were increased compared to previous quarters. Vaccine strains were primarily identified on sequencing as well as 2 DMV strains (IBV_DMV_ON_21-017385 and IBV_DMV_ON_15-077145).

Practitioners: Increase in IBV detection was reported by the majority of the responders for this quarter.  Equal number of responders reported stable to increased cases.

Spiking mortality

AHL: One case was diagnosed this quarter (i.e., hypoglycemia and histologic lesions).

Practitioners: Reported as stable for this quarter.

Salmonella

Practitioners: Salmonella isolations were reported as stable to slightly increased this quarter.

Histomoniasis (blackhead)

AHL: No cases diagnosed this quarter.

Practitioners: Reported as stable.

Runting and Stunting Syndrome (RSS)

AHL: Confirmed cases of RSS (diagnosed on histology) were increased this quarter, particularly in birds <14 days of age.

Practitioners: RSS caused by astrovirus were reported as stable to decreased.

Other diagnostic findings

AHL: Other diagnoses made at the AHL included granulomatous bacterial pneumonia and airsacculitis, swollen head (conjunctivitis/blepharitis/myositis, airsacculitis, pneumonia, E. coli sinusitis), liver hemorrhage, undefined peripheral nerve lesions, and thymic atrophy.

Practitioners: No specific findings this quarter except increase in respiratory conditions with the examined flocks.

Condemnation issues

AHL: Diagnoses included ascites/heart failure, liver hemorrhage, and septicemia (E. coli or E. coli/E. cecorum/S. aureus).

Practitioners: Issues were reported as increased by veterinarians this quarter. Cellulitis, airsaculitis and liver conditions were the most common causes of condemnations.

Slaughter provincial plants: Processing volume average 1.78M per month. The top condemnation conditions were reported as air sacculitis, cellulitis and ascites. Dead-on arrival (DOA) was 24.5 birds/10,000.

Slaughter federal plants: Processing volume average 20 M per month. Sub-cutaneous lesions and liver conditions were reported as the main conditions for condemnation. DOA was 14.9 birds/10,000.

Broiler-Breeders

Fowl cholera

AHL: Occasionally isolated from lameness cases from vaccinated flocks.

Practitioners: Reported stable to slightly decreased this quarter.

Early bacterial infection (<14 d old)

AHL: The number of cases were slightly decreased from the previous quarter. Cases had either E. coli isolated in pure culture or in combination with E. cecorum.

Practitioners: Reported a shift from stable to increased cases that continued its pattern from the previous quarter. The main bacteria isolated was E. coli.

Other causes of early mortality (<14 d old)

AHL: There were 2 cases of dehydration identified in this age group.

Practitioners: Reported as stable to slightly increased this quarter. Birds seem to be healthy for the first 2 weeks but then random increased conditions with mild to severe forms noted lately.

Prelay morbidity/mortality (<20 weeks)

AHL: The case numbers were increased from Q3 and Q4 of 2022 but had similar numbers to Q1 and Q2 2022. Cases of septicemia had E. coli isolated either in pure culture or in combination with E. cecorum or E. cecorum/S. aureus. Other diagnoses included mycotic pneumonia (A. flavus), bacterial pneumonia (E. coli, E. cecorum, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, C. perfringens), coccidiosis, and emaciation.

Lameness – bacterial

AHL: The case numbers were stable compared to the previous quarter. Cases consisted of primarily pure culture of S. aureus (approximately half with lesions of osteomyelitis). Other cases consisted of E. coli either in pure culture or combined with 1 other bacterium including S. aureus, E. cecorum or G. anatis. Two cases of bacterial vertebral osteomyelitis had isolation of E. cecorum alone or in combination with E. coli.

Practitioners: Stable to slightly increased. Staphylococcus aureus was the most predominant bacteria that caused lameness. Also, E.coli  and E. cecorum were mentioned as being identified with this condition.

Lameness – viral, developmental and nutritional

AHL: One case of valgus deformity, 1 case of tendon rupture, and 2 cases of reovirus (1 suspicious on histology, 1 PCR positive plus compatible histologic lesions).

Practitioners: All reported as stable by responders.

In-lay bacterial septicemia

AHL: Cases continue to slightly decrease from the previous 2 quarters (numbers were similar to Q1 2022). There were cases of E. coli or S. aureus in pure culture. Bacterial combinations were also identified including E. coli and G. anatis. Also, E. coli and E. cecorum together as well as in combination with S. aureus, C. perfringens, or G. anatis. One case had isolation of 4 bacteria: E. coli, E. cecorum, S. aureus, and G. anatis.

Practitioners: Septicemia was reported as stable to slightly decreased and generally seen as mixed infection

IBV- decreased production/ abnormal eggs

AHL: Two cases diagnosed this quarter. One case of cystic oviducts based on post-mortem examination and 1 having IBV_DMV_ON_15-077145 isolated.

Practitioners: Stable to decrease this quarter.

IBV – sudden spike in mortality

AHL: There was an increase in both pathology cases and virus isolations this quarter compared to the previous year. Strains identified included IBV_USA_Mass_AHL21-008165-001 vaccine, IBV_Mass-H120 vaccine, IBV_Mass-MA5 vaccine, USA Conn Vaccine, CU82792, IBV_DMV_ON_21-017385, and IBV_DMV_ON_15-077145.

Practitioners: Stable to decreased cases this quarter.

Disease related hatchability issues

Practitioners: Reported as stable for this quarter.

Mycoplasmosis

AHL: No cases diagnosed this quarter.

Practitioners: Stable to slightly decreased condition reported this quarter.

Necrotic enteritis

AHL: No cases diagnosed this quarter.

Practitioners: The number of necrotic enteritis cases were reported as stable to slightly decreased this quarter.

Coccidiosis

AHL: Decreased cases from the previous quarter but the same as Q3 2022. Identified coccidia in the small intestines or the small intestines and ceca (1 case with E. maxima).

Practitioners: Generally stable number of cases reported.

Fowl pox and ILT

AHL: No cases diagnosed this quarter.

Practitioners: Reported stable for this quarter.

Salmonellosis (clinical)/Salmonella isolation

Practitioners: Stable this quarter. Practitioners reported a variety of Salmonella isolates including S. Livingstone, S. Kiambu, S. Mbandaka, S. I rough-O: r:1,5, S. I rough-O: k:1,5, S. Infantis, S. Thompson, S. Anatum and S. Senftenberg.

Aggression and cannibalism

AHL: No cases diagnosed this quarter.

Practitioners: Cases were reported as stable with one case of feather licking and mild vent pecking among males only in productive breeder flock.

Multi-drug resistant E. coli (resistant to >3 drugs)

Practitioners: Reported as stable.

Histomoniasis (blackhead)

AHL: Case numbers were decreased compared to last quarter, but cases are still being diagnosed.

Practitioners: Stable cases reported by responders.

White Chick Syndrome

AHL: One case diagnosed this quarter.

Other

AHL: Other diagnoses this quarter included ascites/heart failure, bone fracture, liver hemorrhage, and salpingitis (E. coli, G. anatis, C. perfringens).

Practitioners: Three responders mentioned other cases, but no specific information provided with the comments.

Layers

Less responders were noted completing the survey for this quarter.

Overall, veterinarians reported good and solid health status for this quarter.

Osteoporosis

Practitioners: Stable condition.

Bacterial peritonitis/salpingitis

Practitioners: Stable cases with E. coli identified as the most common bacteria but also Enterococcus cecorum and Gallibacterium anatis were isolated in the layer flocks.

Early systemic bacterial infection (<14 old) – ESBI

AHL: No cases diagnosed this quarter.

Practitioners: Reported generally stable with one responder that noted an increase in cases for this quarter.

Other causes of early mortality (>14 d old)

AHL: One case of synovitis (E. coli, E. cecorum, S. aureus), 1 case of spinal abscesses, and 1 case of visceral/articular gout.

Practitioners:  The same as with ESBI, other causes of early mortalities were stable with no identification of other causes of early mortality.

Prelay mortality (<20 weeks)

AHL. One case of septicemia had multiple bacteria isolated (E. coli, E. cecorum, S. aureus). Other diagnoses included E. coli pneumonia, airsaculitis (1 isolated E. coli), and dehydration/urate nephrosis.

Focal duodenal necrosis (FDN)

AHL: Three cases diagnosed this quarter (diagnosis made on histopathology).

Practitioners: Responders were reporting mainly stable but also increased cases for this quarter. Demand for larger egg size has increased the investigation into FDN.

IBV – production drop/abnormal eggs and respiratory issues

AHL: Cases identified on viral testing (no pathology cases) this quarter. On sequencing the strains identified were IBV_DMV_ON_21-017385 and IBV_Mass-MA5 vaccine.

Practitioners: Stable cases reported by respondents.

Salmonellosis (clinical) / Salmonella isolation

Practitioners: Reported as stable.

There were 317 Salmonella isolations for the past 12 months, and 63 isolations for this quarter in chickens. The most common isolates were S. Heidelberg, S. Typhimurium, and S. Enteritidis.

Ontario Hatchery and Supply Flock Policy (OHSFP) – Isolates of Salmonella in chicken with the following subtypes: S. Enteritidis, S. I:8, 20: -: z6, S. Infantis, S. Kiambu and S. Kentucky.

ILT and Mycoplasma

AHL: No cases identified this quarter.

Practitioners: Stable for both conditions

Coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis

AHL: One case of coccidiosis diagnosed.

Practitioners: Reported stable for both conditions.

Aggression, cannibalism and hysteria

Practitioners: All reported as stable this quarter

Multi-drug resistant E. coli (resistant to >3 drugs)

Practitioners: Stable.

Histomoniasis (blackhead)

AHL: No cases diagnosed this quarter.

Practitioners: Stable.

Other

AHL: Diagnoses included bacterial endocarditis, vaginal prolapse, salpingitis (E. coli, G. anatis), dehydration, and encephalitis (vaccine strain of APMV-1). Also, bacterial lameness cases isolated either S. aureus or Enterococcus fecalis.

Practitioners: Reported stable to slightly increased cases. The most common encountered conditions were related to Enterococcus cecorum spinal abscesses and hock or stifle infections.

Turkeys

This quarter was quite challenging for turkey flocks with increased cases of the majority of conditions seen in the field. Conditions noted to be of concern included early and late bacterial infections, ORT, erysipelas, colibacillosis, septicemia (E. cecorum with or without E. coli), Salmonella, reovirus tenosynovitis, round heart, aggression, gangrenous dermatitis, aortic rupture (reovirus related?), crop mycosis (secondary to antibiotic treatment) and HPAI.

Fowl cholera and Erysipelas

AHL:No cases diagnosed this quarter.

Practitioners: both conditions were reported stable

Early systemic bacterial infection (<14 day old) – ESBI

AHL: Stable compared to last quarter. Two cases of septicemia had Streptococcus gallolyticus isolated either in pure culture or combined with S. aureus and E. coli.

Practitioners: Stable to increased cases. The most common bacteria involved with ESBI were E. coli and S. aureus.

Other causes of early mortality (<14 d old)

AHL: No other causes of early mortality identified this quarter.

Practitioners: Reported stable with slightly increased cases for this quarter. One case of viral hepatitis related to reovirus infection was reported.

Late systemic bacterial infection (>14 d old) – LSBI

AHL: Stable compared to last quarter. One diagnosis of E. coli septicemia and 1 diagnosis based on histopathology.

Practitioners: Increased to slightly stable cases reported. E. coli was the main bacteria identified by multiple practitioners to be responsible for late systemic bacterial infection.

ORT

Practitioners: Equal numbers of respondents were reporting stable to increased cases.

Mycotic respiratory disease

AHL: No cases diagnosed this quarter.

Practitioners: Stable to slightly decreased.

Other respiratory diseases

AHL: One case of E. coli pneumonia identified and on histopathology there was a case of fibrinosuppurative bronchopneumonia.

Practitioners: Stable to slightly decreased cases

Coccidiosis, Mycoplasma, Salmonellosis, Histomoniasis and Multi-drug resistant E. coli (resistant to >3 drugs)

AHL: Cases stable compared to last quarter. Two case of coccidiosis (1 small intestine, 1 small intestine and ceca).

Practitioners: All stable conditions reported by respondents

Necrotic enteritis and enteritis

AHL: Cases stable compared to last quarter. Two cases of necrotic enteritis with underlying coccidiosis. C. perfringens was isolated.

Practitioners: Stable.

Mycoplasma (species)

Practitioners: Stable to decreased cases.

Reovirus tenosynovitis

AHL: The number of cases were increased from last quarter. Three cases were diagnosed on histopathology. One other case had PA 13-22342 identified on sequencing.

Practitioners: Equal numbers of respondents were reporting stable to increased cases this quarter.

Round heart

Practitioners: Stable condition with equal number of respondents reporting increased and decreased cases.

Salmonellosis (clinical)/Salmonella isolation

Practitioners: Reported stable and S. Brandenburg listed by practitioners.

Salmonella isolations in turkey were 427 for the past 12 months and 80 isolations for this quarter.

Ontario Hatchery and Supply Flock Policy (OHSFP) Salmonella isolated in turkey with the following subtypes: S. Cero, S. Brandenburg, S.I: ROUGH-O: z10: e,n,x, S. Uganda and S. Hadar.

Aggression and cannibalism

Practitioners: Generally stable to slightly increased.

AHL and practitioners reported no cases detected for this quarter.

Other

AHL: Other diagnoses included dilated cardiomyopathy, fungal/bacterial dermatitis, necrotizing typhlitis, HE inclusion bodies (in an unvaccinated flock).

Practitioners: Toe trimming practices were identified as the start point of the secondary septic-gangrenous dermatitis caused by Clostridium sepsis, aortic ruptures, and crop mycosis

Provincial slaughter plants: Processing volume average of 16,060/month. The top 3 conditions of condemnation were abscesses, airsaculitis and cellulitis. DOA ratio was 9.7 birds/10,000.

Federal slaughter plants: Processing volume average of 675,000 per month. The top conditions of condemnation were subcutaneous lesions and respiratory. DOA ratio was 6.6 birds/10,000.

Rural/Backyard/Non-Quota Flocks

AHL:

Chickens: Diagnoses at AHL included Ascaridia, Marek’s disease, peritonitis/salpingitis,

stomatitis/esophagitis/tracheitis, chronic heart disease, and osteosarcoma.

Duck: Diagnoses included septicemia (E. coli, Streptococcus parauberis) and airsacculitis/pneumonia.

Goose: One case of septicemia (E. rhusiopathiae, E. coli, E. cecorum).

Practitioners:

Chicken:

Ectoparasitism (lice, mites, and scaly leg mites) and endoparasitism were rated as common or very common. Marek’s disease had variable ratings including one in each category (rare, common, very common). Vent trauma rarely identified. Pneumonia or airsacculitis were listed as common. Other diseases diagnosed were GI impaction, trauma, pododermatitis, septicemia, fatty liver, peritonitis, toxin, and mycoplasma. ILT, urates, histomoniasis, and erysipelas were reported by 2 practitioners but were uncommon. There was one report of rare neoplasia. Everything was relatively stable, other than ecto and endo parasites which may be increased from last quarter.

Turkeys:

Mycoplasma, bacterial septicemia, parasitism, toxin, pododermatitis and neoplasia were identified as stable. The only increased category was parasitism. One respondent reported arthritis in an older turkey.

Waterfowl:

Mycotic pneumonia, bacterial septicemia, parasitism, other intestinal conditions (no comments on this yet), botulism, peritonitis, pododermatitis, toxin and neoplasia were reported as stable since last quarter. One practitioner reported unusual head bobbing with an unknown diagnosis.

Gamebirds/ pigeons:

Practitioner reported canker and trauma as main conditions seen this quarter. During export testing a pigeon was identified as APMV-1 positive, velogenic strain.

Poultry research from Ontario and beyond

• Vaccines | Free Full-Text | Effect of CpG-Oligonucleotide in Enhancing Recombinant Herpes Virus of Turkey-Laryngotracheitis Vaccine-Induced Immune Responses in One-Day-Old Broiler Chickens (mdpi.com)
• The Onset of Virus Shedding and Clinical Signs in Turkeys Infected with High and Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Viruses (iastate.edu)
• Clinical aspects of immunosuppression in poultry – PubMed (nih.gov)
• Circulation of Immunosuppressive Viruses and Avian Encephalomyelitis Virus in Backyard Chicken Flocks (scirp.org)
• Poultry | Free Full-Text | Two-Window Approach to Monitor and Assess Cellular and Humoral Immune Responses in Poultry (mdpi.com)

Events and News

Poultry Industry Council events: https://www.poultryindustrycouncil.ca/events

Poultry Health Research Network information, events, and lectures can be accessed on the PHRN website: https://phrn.net/ or on the PHRN YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/PoultryHRN

Thank You!

We thank the following poultry veterinarians who completed the veterinary survey:

Dr. Elizabeth Black, Dr. Joanne Dias, Dr. Fernando Salgado-Bierman, Dr. Shahbaz Haq, Dr. Elana Huong, Dr. Anastasia Novy, Dr. Mike Petrik, Dr. Erin Preiss, Dr. Joanne Rafuse, Dr. Stephanie Rheaburgen, Dr. Ben Schlegel, Dr. Chanelle Taylor, Dr. Brenna Tuer, Dr. Alex Weisz, and Dr. Jessalyn Walkey.